Cook sausage over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes and crumble with a fork.,Combine sausage and remaining ingredients, except lemon juice, salt and pepper in slow cooker.,Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours.,Discard bay leaf.,______,Variation: same as above, but omit sausage and add 1/2 cup sliced fennel bulb.,Substitute 1 t lightly crushed fennel seed for the herbs.,Process soup in food processor or blender until smooth; garnish each bowl with finely chopped fennel tops.